Original scientific paper
The meaning and function of shame from moral theological perspective
Šimun Bilokapić
orcid.org/0000-0003-4543-3718
; Catholic Faculty of Theology, University of Split
Abstract
The article deals with the basic meaning and function of sha¬me viewed from a purely theological and moral perspective. Since the topic and phenomenon are very complex, the author primarily tries to define the very concept of shame and at least approxima¬tely indicate the content and value component. Then, he refers to a frequently reduced understanding of shame in history, particu¬larly pointing out a constant striving, almost a need, that on the one hand it is radically denied, and on the other hand tirelessly affir¬med. Just these contradictory efforts and attitudes toward shame, in the past and today, urge the author to detect its fundamental tasks and functions, wondering at the same time whether they are really positive or negative, constructive or destructive, in favour to the person and society or to their detriment? Ambivalence of sha¬me and the possibility of its falsification require a moral judgement of those behaviours that are normally called “violations of shame”. In the final section, the author considers quite generally and briefly certain questions and dilemmas that are most frequently brought into connection with the concept of shame.
Keywords
shame; embarrassment; impudence; person; body; society; sexuality; intimacy
Hrčak ID:
168109
URI
Publication date:
28.10.2016.
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